Spotlight Animal Updates

spotlight updates

Clare

March 2015

In May 2010, we featured Clare's
Diary in the Animals Abused & Abandoned Spotlight. Clare had
been abandoned and was found near death from starvation. A strong
little dog with a will to live, Clare recovered and, having bonded with
her foster mom, was adopted. We learned this week that Clare passed
away peacefully on March 3, 2015, nearly five years after her ordeal
and rescue.

Here's what her adopted Mom said about Clare and the generosity of those
who helped through Animals Abused & Abandoned:

"Just wanted to
let you know that precious little Clare Devereaux crossed the Rainbow
Bridge Tuesday. She was a unique and special girl. She had five happy
years with me and I was blessed by her presence every day. She was
feisty and funny and is sorely missed.

Thank you for your care and
concern for Clare and the others like her who have suffered so much.
Know that what you do has made happy endings possible and given these
little ones health and happiness. Here is my favorite picture, taken a
little over a year ago. You can see she had aged, but was still ready
for her close-up. She was a darling girl and the definition of
the word “survivor.”

Midori was found wandering the streets of Dallas one morning. Though
not featured as a spotlight story, Animals Abused & Abandoned
featured her adoption
video. We are pleased to report Midori, now Dori, has been adopted
and has a loving family!

Cooper

December 2014

Cooper has a HOME! He also has his own FB page "Super Cooper - The dog
with 9 lives."

Ayoba had a femoral head ostectory (FHO), a surgical procedure that
removes the head and neck from the femur. FHO surgery is
performed to alleviate pain due to trauma where the head of the femur
is badly broken or severed. He remained at the clinic for a
couple of days after his surgery, then went home with his foster mother
to receive his after care.

Little Ayoba was up and about 48 hours later favoring his right hind
leg though. Beside the pain and not having used his leg for
several months, he also lacks the confidence to use his affected
limb. His foster mom has been giving him physical therapy.
Gradually he has made progress to the point that he now places
weight on his leg while walking. He cheats now and again, carries
his hind leg, when he runs.

His care taker has gotten so attached to him that she
plans on adopting him. So our little street mutt now has a family
which includes an older furry brother. His foster mom is most
thankful to all our donors who gave Ayoba a chance at a happy
life. A well deserved new life!

Part of Cooper’s pre-surgery treatment included IV fluids, antibiotics,
pain relievers and being fed small portions of food several times a day
by hand. Dead tissue on his wounds was removed and as soon as his
vet saw a healthy tissue bed, Cooper was deemed ready for skin
grafts. His lab work had returned to normal values. He had
more Xrays taken and on that same day, he was prepped for skin graft
surgery.

Cooper came out of surgery with a brace on his right leg which he did
not like. Because of his poor appetite, he was fed by hand and
with one whimper he had someone running to his side. His doctor
even sent someone to pick up some chicken just for Cooper. This
sweet dog had made his way into everyone’s heart at the clinic.

Unfortunately Cooper required another skin flap to cover an area that
had difficulty healing. Eventually his feet and legs healed, no
more exposed tendons or bones, just good skin and even fur! He
could at last place weight on three legs. Cooper was unable to
bend his fourth leg because he is missing his patella. When
standing, his leg would stick straight out behind him. The
best option was another surgery.

Cooper was driven by his vet to meet with a
specialist in
another city in Carolina. They discussed two possible
options which would help with the mobility of his right rear leg.
While taking a wait and see approach, Cooper was given light physical
therapy. Gradually he was able to lower his hind leg while
standing and put some weight on it. He was also regaining some
good muscle tone. If Cooper were to recover his range of motion
in that leg, his surgery would not be required.

At the last update, Cooper’s legs have healed well. His gait is a
bit different since he is missing some digits on both rear paws.
But the best news is there will be no need for further surgery.
He is making tremendous progress. He will continue having some
therapy for that right hind leg. Cooper cannot wait until his
legs and feet are completely healed so that he can run again.

Cooper sends his appreciation and love to all those who helped him
through this ordeal.

This update is from Monique Voelker, founder of Animals Abused &
Abandoned:

We recently went to a fund
raiser for one of the horse rescues Animals Abused & Abanonded
sponsored this winter by providing them with hay and special feed for
horses so debilitated they could only eat small portions of food that
was easily digested. These horses have 90 acres where they are
nursed back to good health, trained to use a saddle and wait to be
adopted. I was so impressed with the quality of care these rescues are
given, beautiful grounds so well kept. Again if it were not for
so many horse lovers who help finance this rescue organization, many of
these gorgeous creatures would not have a chance at a better life. I
think our donors should be proud of the help they provided this horse
rescue group.

Below are some pictures Monique took at this visit. (Click thumbnail
images to see full size in new window.)

Chloe

March 2014

Chloe was recently adopted! She is now known as Khloe Kadorxian and has
her own Facebook page!

She is doing well~! She keeps putting a bit too much weight on her leg
for my taste, but is very sweet and wants to be with humans and the
other animals.

First post-op visit
8-23-13

It was great news! The vet said her leg looked great! He
also said she looked so much better and healthy, shiny coat... like a
whole different dog. I was told to keep up the good work.

She was also put on Doxycycline for the heartworms, will start HW
prevention in two weeks at our second check up where we will X-ray the
leg and see how we are doing. I asked about X-ray this time and he said
there won't be enough to tell anything yet.

So…we will keep chugging along!

Second post-op visit
9-9-13

She
is doing great! She hasn't healed completely..she still needs to lay
off her leg for a few more weeks, and I am going back again in one
month. Otherwise, she's maintaining her stinking cute status around
here, and wants to play so badly. Here's her updated X-ray. Its hard to
see, but you can tell the faint line above the screw isn't complete.

Update 9-21-13

Attached are some photos of Chloe. She likes to sunbathe and
wouldn't cooperate for the photo shot.

She went to meet a potential adopter today. It didn't go so well….she
attacked their dog! I think she was just uncomfortable, and I think
that if she sticks around long enough she will be fine with anyone
(since she's fine with my dogs, and even tries to cuddle with all of
them) but it wasn't a good first impression. She's such a doxie.

Adele

7/30/2013

We are happy to report that Adele has been adopted! She is now named
Fancy and her adopted mom reports she LOVES to sleep. The pictures in
the slideshow say it all. Adele/Fancy is one happy dog!

Read Adele's
story, featured in March, and see how much progress she has made
thanks to the rescue organization and donations made to Animals Abused
& Abandoned.

Missy

July 14, 2013

Missy was featured as a Spotlight Story animal in December, 2012 when
she needed surgery for nodules that had appeared on her head. Missy is
fine now and the best news is that she has been adopted. Missy's new
mother made a wonderful video about Missy's journey. While Missy was a
handful, she has become a grateful and loving dog, and her new mom says
she may be her proudest adoption. Missy has found her forever home now!

"Just went to the veterinarian
this Friday for bandage change. The doctor is very pleased.
Have appointment next Friday to remove stitches. Patrick is confined to
small crate, out only to do his business and walk for 5 minutes.
He wears an E collar to prevent chewing with his bandage. I have
him out in my arms or in my chair with me when possible. He does
sleep with me, doesn't move much, except to wake me for trips outside.
Really a good little guy."

"Spartacus is doing great! I
take him with me on the weekends when I go out town. He is so well
behaved and loves going wherever I take him. He's become a traveling
man! He and our original Bengal have become friends now. They run
through the house at full speed! We love him!"

We couldn't have asked for a better home for him. They love his high
energy, think it's funny he shreds toilet paper and paper towels, and
love that he has some cattitude.

Adele has recovered very well from her surgery. At her first post-op
clinic appointment, it was decided her ear was healing so well, that
Adele would not require an ear ablation, as it was first thought.
She was given a light anesthesia to help with the pain from having her
facial sutures cleaned and the drain tube from her chest removed.
At her second appointment, the sutures were removed from her chest and
her face and the second penrose drain was also pulled out. The
only memorabilia from this fight, is a hole in her right ear.

Adele expresses her gratitude to everyone who helped her recover from a
horrible ordeal and make it possible for her to smile at her good
fortune. She is waiting for her future family to fall in love
with her and bring her home. If you are looking for a great
companion, please contact Animals Abused & Abandoned.

In its four years of existence, and as a result of the generosity of
many donors, Animals Abused & Abandoned has paid out $57,943.36
directly to food suppliers and veterinarians on behalf of 37 rescue
groups in 7 states.This slideshow provides updates on just a few of the
animals Animals Abused & Abandoned was able to help during 2012.
These are the Spotlight Stories.

Click arrow to play video.

Lincoln

January 2013

Thank you to all of you who contributed to Lincoln's surgery and
recovery and have made this most wonderful outcome possible.

He went back Wednesday
for his final
checkup. His doctor said he was completely healed and used
the words
"fantastic" and "awesome" to describe his thoughts about Lincoln's
healing.

Then, later in January:

Yay! Yay! Lincoln has been adopted. Pictured right is Lincoln with his
new owner Tod.

December 29, 2012

Lincoln required further surgery to amputate his injured leg. Although
his leg could not be saved, Lincoln is doing very well! He is getting
used to having three legs. His back leg is much straighter now and able
to support him. If he had not had the surgery, it would have
continued to "bow out" and cause significant problems in that leg.

I wanted to give you an
update
on Lincoln. He had a follow-up
visit with the surgeon yesterday and had more xrays
done. They
removed the external brace and pins. They said he is making
satisfactory progress but has not healed completely. The surgeon
wants
Lincoln's activity to continue to be restricted for another 8
weeks.
He is able to put weight on the leg and get around, but they still
don't want him jumping on anything.Just wanted to keep you
updated
since you were such a big part in ensuring he was able to
have this very important surgery.

October 1, 2012

I have attached some
pictures
of the xrays, the sling that has to be used every time he gets up to
walk, and a picture of him right after his foster mom got him home and
settled. I also included his "before" picture so you can compare
that to the xray that shows how straight his leg is now. Dr.
Bertrand did a great job!

X-ray prior to surgery

X--ray with pins in leg after surgery

Sling

Lincoln sleeping

He doesn't have a cast. He has an
exoskeleton on the inside of his leg. He will go back in two
weeks to get the staples out and have the doctor check his progress.

Then, two weeks later - Lincoln is doing much better now and is
able to walk a little. His foster parents don't have to use the
sling anymore to help him walk. He can do some limited walking on
his own.

January 8, 2013

Annabelle/Roo is doing
great! She's doing rehab now on the leg and is coming along fine.Yes! She has been adopted
by a wonderful family who live in rural Georgia and have a home and
room for her to enjoy outdoors. They totally adore her and are
seeing her the rest of the way on her journey toward complete
healing. Since there was such extensive surgery and work done on
her leg and it does come with the possibility of her rebreaking it
within a year of the surgery, they are taking very good care to see she
doesn't stress it out unnecessarily and are getting her to and through
her rehab which will continue for awhile. But she is loved,
adored, and finally HOME!Thank you so much for your help
in making Roo's dreams come true, and for your love and care about her
recovery and journey.

October 5, 2012

Annabelle is doing great.
We had her back to see Dr. Noone this past Monday. The fixator is
still in place and will be for at least another 2 weeks. On our
next appointment he will do another set of x-rays to determine if it
might be able to come off. Her weight bearing is very limited per
doctor's orders and there will not be any therapy until that fixator
comes off. If appears that we are probably in for another month
or 2 before she can do any serious rehab.Dr, Noone is very pleased with
her progress. She has been a real trooper through all of this as
you can imagine. She is such a sweet little girl and even though
her care is challenging, we are so happy to have her. Please
express our thanks to the Texas group for all they have done to help
our little girl. We are so appreciative.

"... I wanted to give you an update and outcome for dear Annabelle who
had her surgery yesterday afternoon.

She came out of surgery around 6
pm yesterday evening. She is
doing well so far. The doc said surgery went well, but was even
more complicated than the x-rays showed, so it just confirmed for the
surgeon how much the surgery truly needed to be done. They took
some extra measures to "straighten" the wrist and she'll be going
home with what is called a fixator. Basically it's a bicycle
wheel type thing around the outside of her wrist to help keep it
straight. She goes back to have that removed in a few weeks.

If she's still doing well this
morning, she can be discharged this
afternoon and sent home to rest and recuperate. I think
after we hear she's home and resting we'll all breathe an even
larger sigh of relief! It seems like a lot to spend on one
dog, but I promise you she is worth it! Her spirit is amazing
after all of the abuse she's been through.

Thank
you, and also your wonderful foundation, for the financial help and the
support for this wonderful girl! We'll give you progress reports as we
get them, and when she's able to stand straight on that repaired leg,
we will send you pictures so you can update your followers and
supporters.

August 6

"... She's doing well. She was able to go home on Friday
afternoon. She's due back to the vet surgeon's office on Friday
for a checkup. So far, so good...paws crossed for a quick
recovery. Our girl is a true champ at getting through these
surgeries!"

August
9

"... Roo went back for her 1st checkup today and she's
doing great! Here's the report I got from her former foster Mom,
who goes with her each time she goes to the surgeon's office:

We took Annabelle/Roo for her
follow up with the surgeon, today. He did such an amazing
job! Worth every
expensive penny to have this done properly. Her spirits are great
& she is recovering wonderfully. The photos definitely make her look
pathetic, but she is a real trooper. She goes back next week for
another visit.I'm attaching
the first 3 photos she sent me, and there are a couple more she's
sending me tomorrow. Thanks for keeping this girl in your
thoughts, and for helping us raise the large amount needed for her
surgery! We'll continue to keep you updated as she finishes her
journey."

Callie

December 18, 2012

Callie is doing just fine. We
moved
another mini mare about her age into their paddock. They all get along
great. Knee Hi has the fluffiest winter coat I think I've ever seen! We
will be weaning him soon followed by his castration. When all that is
done, there is a family who plans on adopting both him and Callie!

"We did receive the pathology report and the results are that the polyp
was benign - apparently there was just a sudden burst of growth in the
epithelial cells which resulted in the growth. We're not certain if
this was a one time thing or what even caused it. Very strange,
but Winkey is back taking his medication and smelling again!"
Read Winkey's story here.

Annabelle

July 17, 2012

Update on Annabelle:

"Dr. Filer's office has scheduled her for her final set of x-rays
before surgery on Monday, July 23, 2012. If nothing significant
has changed and she's still in good physical shape, they will go ahead
and schedule her surgery on the right leg.

Thank you once again for all that you did in helping us to raise the
significant amount of funds necessary and we so appreciate it, and ask
that you and your supporters keep Annabelle Roo in your thoughts and
prayers as her surgery approaches. It will be an important and
hopefully, final milestone on her arduous journey home to complete
health and a happy forever life!"

Here is a picture of Georgia with the Easter Bunny this spring! Your
donations help animals like Georgia receive the medical care they need
and allow the small rescue groups that help them to continue their work.

We have wonderful updates on two of our spotlight animals, Buc and
Laela, who were featured together in a spotlight story in March-April
2012. Below are pictures of both Buc and Laela happy, healthy, and in
new homes!

Ruby Tuesday was not featured as a Spotlight
Animal, but she is one of many other animals your donations have
helped. Below is an update sent by the rescue organization:

I have wonderful news, Ruby was adopted this Saturday. A nice family
with another shy Bengal took her. She has a very doting daddy who
actually got up in the wee hours of the morning to sit with her through
the recent storms. He didn't want her to be afraid in her new home. Her
new Bengal friend is a male named R2 (after R2D2 of Star Wars fame). I
am attaching a shot of him showing his lovely spots [right].

Midnight and London were featured in February
2012. We are happy to tell you that Midnight was adopted by his
foster mother. She reports he is a very loving companion.

London stretching

Midnight just relaxing

London has also been adopted. She is regaining her health. She
now eats on her own. She will always require eye medication from
her viral infection. She likes soft spots to lie on because of her paws
which will always curl under her. But that does not deter London
from jumping on sofas and beds.

Nurca

March 25, 2012

Nurca was our January
2012 Spotlight Animal. We are pleased to report that she has
recovered completely from her amputation. She so wants to run!
Last week she jumped off the sofa, and fell. She had an
astonished look on her face. She still forgets she only has three
legs now. She has been spayed and is scheduled this week for
heartworm treatment. In another month she should be ready for
adoption. Her foster mother reports that Nurca is a very sweet and
affectionate dog. She will be someone's wonderful addition to
their family.

Buddy in December 2011

January 30, 2012

Buddy, Hailey, Harley and Lucy Loo were featured in the December
2011 Spotlight story "Holiday Pup-pourri."We received an update on
each one below:

Buddy in January 2012

Buddy in his new home with his new sister

Buddy went into a foster home and remained there throughout his
heartworm treatment and a little longer. The foster dad was in
love with him and said that he hated to let Buddy go. But let go
he did. Buddy is now in a wonderful home with a four-legged
sister and a new Mommy.

Hailey finally found that
lovely family in New England. Last update
everything was going well and she was a perfect addition to the family.

Harley was fostered by
what is now his forever home. Success!

Lucy Loo spent a few days
at the vet before going to her foster home
which was a couple that care only for handicapped fosters. Of
course,
as everyone at the vet did, they fell in love with her and ended up
adopting her.

Asa in May 2011

December 27, 2011

Asa was featured in the May 2011
Spotlight story. She was found wandering the countryside in west
Texas, very close to dying from starvation. Look at the difference! In
just a few months Asa has come so far!

Asa in December 2011

Asa at her new home, December 2011

December 13, 2011

Gracie was the October
2011 Spotlight story. The rescue organization reports that she "is
doing wonderful and is now ready for her new home." See the before and
after pictures below!

We had a small rain last
night . A crisis emergency is going on ---no hay was grown in
Texas - a real crisis!!! We always need hay and are so thankful to
yall for your help. People are abandoning horses in record
numbers. We are limited as to how many horses we can take in and
if we have food for them.

Uriah is doing great. It
was 800.00 dollars to remove his eye, surrounding muscle and geld
him. He just recently went to a new home and is adored.
Scarlett and Kickapoo are doing wonderful too. Kickapoo needed
surgery to her bone below her eye to remove bone fragments from a
crushing injury her previous owners did to her. Her pasturemate
died from starvation. Both Kickapoo and Scarlett are gaining
weight and muscle everyday.

We are going to plant our
winter wheat crop again and pray. We did not even have grassburr
stickers this year. Our land is like talcum powder. Things
just have to get better. Blessings and thank you for everything
you have done for us.

Ramona

Note: Scarlett,
who was mentioned in this update, was also featured in the March, 2011 Spotlight
Story. The picture below shows her amazing progress!

Because Bear had grown so much since his original workup, the
cardiologist ran additional tests. The pressure on his heart had
doubled since his first visits; therefore, his surgery became an
emergency situation. Bear had his heart operation on June
23rd.

It is the left side of his heart that is damaged. The valve on
that side of the heart is not functioning correctly and is narrower
than had been anticipated. A balloon was used to widen the
passage. The surgery lasted slightly longer than four hours and it had
become too risky to continue. Though not completely
successful, this surgery has lengthened Bear’s life and has helped him
live more comfortably. The pressure on his heart prior to this
intervention was 240, now it runs between 140 to 150. Normal is
below 80. Bear has an appointment in August for a second
evaluation. Most probably he will require another balloon
valvuloplasty using a larger balloon to widen the valve opening.

He is home now. He has to remain calm. If he does run and tries
to play too much, as puppies do, he gets very winded. He takes a
cardiac medication daily. Without this surgery, Bear was not
expected to live to be a year old. His foster mother says “he is
a wonderful puppy with a beautiful disposition. He is friendly
with everyone he comes in contact with. The persons who discarded
him on a country road to fend for himself with his broken leg,
don’t know what they missed. He is incredible. He is a good
dog and deserves more than life has handed him so far.”

We will post another update after his veterinary visit in August.
In the meantime, let’s hope for the best and pray for Bear’s complete
recovery.

Chicha had her surgery, thanks to generous donors. Her fracture was
reduced and stabilized with six screws and a plate. A bone graft was
packed around the fracture site to increase and strengthen the healing.
She came out of the operating suite with a beautiful bright pink
splint. Chicha is recovering very well from her surgery, but the best
news is that she has already been adopted to a wonderful couple. The
updates from her family are all positive and upbeat. Coco, her new
name, is definitely a little sister to Sable and Rocksie.

The news on Georgia is good! She will not require surgery.
Because of your wonderful donations, she received good medical
care.There was a period where it could have been touch and go. Her cast
had gotten wet and had started to chip. Georgia developed a bacterial
infection to her wound. The fear was that it might spread to the
fractured bone which could have meant that her leg would have been
amputated. She was given antibiotics. She returned to the veterinary
clinic several times to have her wound cleaned and given a new cast at
each visit. You can see from the photos, she is wearing a less
cumbersome cast and is more comfortable sitting down. The e-collar has
since been removed.

She will be spayed soon, as she has been in heat the past two
weeks. She will very soon be ready for adoption. I am told she is a
very gentle dog and very friendly. If anyone is looking for a new
family member, Georgia is waiting for you.

Riley had surgery and has been treated for her heartworm
illness, too. She is recuperating in her foster home and continuing
daily therapy for her leg. She has six to eight weeks more recovery
time from her surgery. Unfortunately, the latest email from her foster
mom indicated that an x-ray shows Riley has a fissure on the crest of
her right tibia. She will have to be crated for the next few weeks.
Hopefully with proper rest, she can avoid another surgery.

Payton was found seriously injured after
a fight with a dog. In the months that have followed, Payton has
completely healed from his injuries and has found a new home. He and
his buddy Elliot spend their days playing together, and the rescue
organization that saved Payton continues to provide much needed
services to animals in need.

Clare has continued to recover from her ordeal. Although we
were lucky to have a number of great applicants, Clare and her foster
mom decided that the bond forged between them during her recovery
should not be broken and she was adopted on June 12, 2010. The other
dogs there all have a middle name, so a little ceremony was held and
Clare was given the middle name Devereaux in honor of Rue McClanahan's
character on Golden Girls. The whole family look forward to continuing
to give little golden girl Clare the kind of life she deserved all
along.

Chester came through his surgery with flying colors and has
recuperated quickly! Another bit of good news ... Chester joined his
new family this past weekend where he will live his life as an indoor
cat. He made himself right at home immediately and conquered the stairs
without hesitation. Chester thanks his friends and Animals Abused &
Abandoned who made it possible for him to have a second chance at life!

Edwina's foster mom reports that Edwina's wound has finally
healed up completely! She's still recovering from ringworm so they
haven't actively been soliciting a forever home for her yet. Her family
says she is quite the comic!

I am certain some of you are anxious to hear how Nudge is
doing since he joined the equine sanctuary.

For the past few months, the only thing Nudge has done is eat and eat
some more. When we visited him the last part of September, he focused
his attention on the hay he was eating. Nothing could distract him. He
burrowed his face deep down into the bale, selecting just the right
amount of hay and with deep satisfaction written in his eyes he
proceeded to munch on dry blades of grass. He would again go through
this ritual several more times. This leisurely breakfast went on during
our entire visit.

With bones protruding from being so underweight upon arrival at the
sanctuary, he has gained over 200 lbs which tips the scale well over
600 pounds. Fully grown he should weigh approximately 1000 lbs. He
looks absolutely wonderful. It is amazing what a little food can do! He
has grown taller, his skeletal frame has filled out, his dull coat is
now shiny. He obviously feels much better, has more energy, because he
has been observed running and playing with several of his friends. One
can see he has been given a lot of nurturing at the sanctuary as he now
enjoys human interaction.

Nudge had his umbilical surgery in October. He was gelded at the same
time. He remained at the veterinary clinic for an extra couple of days
for observation. This visit to the vet cost approximately $800.

Nudge has become available for adoption. If anyone is interested in
providing him a home and a promise to love him, please contact us.

PS: Have just learned a new filly arrived at the sanctuary and Nudge is
in love with her! They are side by side at all times. Would it not be
nice for both to be adopted together.

In this past year Bailey began to develop severe hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. The
vets all said that surgery was not an option because of her physical
state and the lack of physical strength to support her for physical
therapy.

"Last month Bailey became physically incapable of being able
to get around and have a happy and enjoyable life. We tried alot of
options but to no avail she got to the point where she could not get up
to relieve herself and we had to make a very hard decision. We let
Bailey go to the rainbow bridge where she can run and play and frolic
as much as her heart desires. I held her until she slept and I could
swear there was a look of thankfulness and peace in her eyes.

Thank you for all your help and love you devoted to her and
trying to find her a home. She left this earth knowing she was loved
and remembered. She will be missed every day."

Dear Yvonne and Monique: I so regret having to tell you that pretty
little Prinney was euthanized on Tuesday
morning. As I had told you, she was vomiting everything. She
stopped eating completely Saturday, then Sunday and Monday despite
tempting sliced turkey and everything she used to love. I thought
Tuesday might be the day, but Tuesday morning she drank a whole lot of
water and I was encouraged - maybe she will eat today also. But she
went to the front door and as I was opening it for her, she vomited up
all the water. That was my sign - this was no way for her to live. I
took her in her little bed, because she loved it. She died in it with
my arms around her and her little head on my arm. I miss her, the house
is so awfully empty and coming home without her here is just wrong. I
know, though, that she knew that she was loved by all of us."

Jasper

August 23, 2009 - Jasper

"Jasper is absolutely awesome. We ran into some pretty big hurdles in
the first three months, but we overcame them and I can’t overstate how
sweet and wonderful he is. I previously communicated his difficulty
with the cats and numerous escapes. Initially, the cats were banished
to areas of my house that were blocked from Jasper. They would not
enter the dogs’ area for fear of being chased/mauled, even when I was
home. But, at right about the three month mark, I brought one of the
cats up into the dogs’ area to stay on the couch with me, just as a
temporary respite. The cat never left, and about a day later the other
cat came up. For about a week, Jasper still wanted to chase and I
noticed numerous scratches on his nose. But they sorted it out and now
he pays them no heed. If anything, he is more scared of them than vice
versa. Every now and then I can even get a cat and Jasper on the couch
with me at the same time.

He still wants to escape, but I’ve Jasper proofed the fence
and he seems content with my yard and our daily walks. The
climbing/athletic ability of Jasper is simply unbelievable. My fence
now looks like a supermax prison fence (no barbed wire or anything that
would hurt him, just high tech). We also had some ‘other’ behavior
problems with him regarding other dogs and other people, but I will
save that for an in-person or telephone discussion. He is definitely a
dominant dog and is probably not suited for a home with small children.
Nevertheless, such other problems have been sorted and he never showed
them with me, only with new dogs and new people. He has always showed
respect for me as the “top
dog”, and I now know what situations in which to watch him or
keep him out of. He and my other dog Dave don’t play, but they get
along fine and seem to have established their own pecking order.

He has never showed any of the pillow/furniture destructive
tendencies that you expected, other than with toys which he loves to
shred. Mainly, I think he is very happy. I’m sure he would like even
more exercise, but he gets plenty and makes sure to spend at least an
hour or two at night curled up next to me on the couch."